Distributed Hum-Cancelling Coils for Electric Guitar Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric stringed musical instruments face challenges in reducing 60 Hz hum and other noise interference due to susceptibility of pickups to electromagnetic interference, which affects sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A hum-cancelling system utilizing distributed coils without pickup magnets, where two hum-cancelling coils are configured in series and positioned proximate to pickups, allowing for noise reduction in a passive manner without the need for tuning or manual adjustment, and can be integrated into existing instruments without modifying their design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional electromagnetic pickups are used to amplify string vibrations, then the sound output level is improved, but the instrument becomes susceptible to 60 Hz hum and electromagnetic noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies noise-cancelling technology that converts the harmful 60 Hz electromagnetic interference into a beneficial cancellation effect. By using a second coil wound in the opposite direction to the pickup coil, the system generates an equal and opposite electromagnetic signal that cancels out the unwanted hum, transforming the harmful interference into a useful noise-cancelling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary noise-cancelling coil positioned between the pickup coil and the amplifier circuit. This intermediate component processes and cancels the electromagnetic interference before it reaches the amplifier, acting as a mediator that protects the main signal path from harmful noise while allowing the primary pickup function to operate unchanged.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hum-cancelling coils are added to reduce noise, then the noise interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the noise-cancelling function into a separate, independent coil assembly that can be independently configured and wired. By dividing the system into distinct pickup and noise-cancelling coils, the complexity is modularized and can be managed through standard wiring practices, making the addition of noise-cancelling capability a manageable increment rather than a complete system redesign.
3Reliability
If distributed coils without pickup magnets are used, then the tonal quality of single coil pickups is maintained, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the traditional pickup coil structure to achieve noise cancellation, the patent inverts the approach by adding a separate noise-cancelling coil that operates independently. This inversion allows the original pickup coil to maintain its simple, proven design and tonal characteristics, while the noise-cancelling function is achieved through the addition of a second coil wound in the opposite direction, preserving manufacturing simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively reduces 60 Hz hum and other noise interference, maintaining the tonal quality of single coil pickups while allowing for the use of any pickup configuration, and can be retrofitted into conventional instruments without altering their appearance or requiring modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The coil of wire of the first hum-cancelling coil is operationally configured to wire in series with the coil of wire of the second hum-cancelling coil... the first hum-cancelling coil is positioned proximate to a first pickup, and the second hum-cancelling coil is positioned proximate to a second pickup
Data Source
AI summary
A hum-cancelling system includes two or more hum-cancelling coils configured in a distributed manner, connected in series with each other. The hum-cancelling coils form a series circuit that is electrically connected to at least one pickup. Each hum-cancelling coil includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a coil of wire wrapped between the top plate and the bottom plate.